The Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/Christian Social Union (CSU) parliamentary group is calling for sweeping structural reforms within Germany’s healthcare system, signaling a potential shift away from incremental adjustments and towards a fundamental reassessment of its long-term sustainability. Simone Borchardt, the CDU/CSU’s spokesperson for health policy, articulated a clear need for a “holistic approach” examining funding, structures and care delivery, dismissing smaller-scale cost-cutting measures as insufficient to address the systemic challenges facing the system.
Borchardt emphasized the existence of significant efficiency reserves, estimating potential savings of up to €40 billion. This acknowledgment has led to an apparent endorsement of recent proposals put forward by the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA), which included controversial suggestions such as increased patient co-payments, mandatory consultation fees for physician visits and restrictions on family insurance coverage. While stopping short of outright support, Borchardt stated that the BDA’s proposals “highlight critical areas that are long overdue for reform.
The call for reform arrives amidst growing concerns about the financial stability of the statutory health insurance (GKV) system, fueled by rising costs and an aging population. Borchardt stressed the importance of awaiting the findings of the GKV financing commission as a foundational step, arguing that a successful reform requires shared responsibility across all stakeholders – policymakers, insurers, healthcare providers, employers and insured individuals.
Specific areas flagged for urgent action include improved care coordination, accelerated digital transformation and a more integrated approach bridging outpatient and inpatient medical services. Borchardt specifically cited the potential to shift approximately four million treatment cases from hospitals to outpatient settings, a move she believes would reduce costs, alleviate staffing pressures and ultimately benefit patients. She also highlighted the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence and digital documentation in streamlining processes and accelerating workflows.
A significant point of contention raised by Borchardt concerns the substantial financial burden – approximately €10 billion annually – imposed on health insurers through “insurance-external services” tasks traditionally funded through tax revenue. She frames this as a structural imbalance that demands redress to ensure the long-term viability of the GKV. Effectively, she argues that a durable and future-proof healthcare system demands a coordinated strategy encompassing efficient structures, digital innovation, preventative measures and a fair fiscal architecture. The potential for significant changes to patient contributions and the scope of coverage promises a politically charged debate in the coming months.
